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Possible gene interchange between plasmid and chromosome in yeast
Yeast (Chichester, England)
|September 1, 1988
Summary
This study investigated gene transfer between yeast plasmids and chromosomes. Researchers found evidence of gene interchange, suggesting genetic material can move between plasmids and the yeast cell
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements found in yeast.
- Understanding plasmid-chromosome interactions is crucial for yeast genetics and biotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen yeast strains for plasmid sequences integrated into chromosomes.
- To investigate potential gene transfer events between plasmids and chromosomes in Zygosaccharomyces.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 420 yeast genomic DNA samples using a 32P-labeled Zygosaccharomyces plasmid pSR1 probe.
- Hybridization analysis to detect plasmid sequences in both plasmid and chromosomal DNA.
- Cloning and sequencing of positive chromosomal DNA segments.
Main Results:
- Five yeast strains showed positive hybridization signals with the pSR1 probe.
- Two strains contained hybridizing sequences as plasmids, while three had them integrated into chromosomes.
- Sequencing of two chromosomal DNA segments from HUT 7195 revealed homology to the P gene of pSR1.
- One segment contained an open reading frame encoding 410 amino acids, closely related to the pSR1 P gene.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest gene interchange between yeast plasmids and chromosomes.
- This indicates a mechanism for horizontal gene transfer within yeast genomes.